Shoulder strap for a brassiere

ABSTRACT

A brassiere shoulder strap is provided that is shaped so that it conforms to the shape of the shoulder of the wearer. By conforming to the shape of the shoulder, the strap provides and maintains a cushioning effect. The shoulder strap has a curvilinear shaped area that is wider than a conventional brassiere strap in order to increase the size of the load bearing region of the wearer&#39;s shoulder. This curvilinear shaped area has an outer cover that surrounds an interior hollow portion. This interior hollow portion is filled with a cushioning material. In a preferred embodiment, the cushioning material is a silicone gel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a shoulder strap. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to a shoulder strap for abrassiere. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to ashoulder strap that is ergonomically designed to conform, as desired, tothe shoulder of the wearer to provide comfort and support.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] A well known problem associated with brassiere shoulder straps isthe discomfort caused by the strap on the shoulder of the wearer.Specifically, the brassiere shoulder strap may cause an indentation in,or irritation of, the skin of the shoulder. Numerous attempts have beenmade to relieve this discomfort. Some attempts have included the use ofshoulder pads of cotton or foam rubber that are interposed between thestrap and the wearer's shoulder or releasably attached to the strap.Such pads have proven to be bulky and unsightly, as well as inconvenientsince they have a tendency to become disengaged from, or shift positionon, the shoulder strap.

[0005] Some brassiere straps have attempted to incorporate a padstructure into the strap itself. Such brassiere straps have beensomewhat successful in relieving discomfort. However, these straps alsohave inherent disadvantages. Often, these types of straps fail tomaintain their aesthetic appearance after several machine washings. Thepads lose their shape, become bulky, and also become discolored. Moreimportantly, none of these types of straps provide the comfort of ashoulder strap that stretches longitudinally to move with, and conformto, the wearer.

[0006] Other attempts to relieve discomfort have included widening thebrassiere strap in order to better distribute the weight in the shoulderarea.

[0007] Other types of shoulder straps, i.e. on backpacks and golf bags,have attempted to use gel as a shock absorber. Again, such straps may bebulky and may not provide a smooth, attractive appearance.

[0008] Given the foregoing, there is a need for a brassiere shoulderstrap that is flexible enough to initially be positioned to providecomfort to the anatomy of a person's shoulder, and move with, andconform to, the shoulder of the wearer, while maintaining its aestheticappearance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a brassierestrap that has a shaped portion that conforms to the anatomy of theshoulder area of the wearer.

[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide anergonomically designed brassiere strap that hugs and cushions theshoulder area of the wearer.

[0011] It is still another object of the present invention to providesuch a brassiere strap that alleviates discomfort and irritation of theshoulder area of the wearer.

[0012] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide abrassiere strap that has a non-bulky, aesthetic appearance.

[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide abrassiere strap that is constructed to achieve a long wear life.

[0014] These and other objects and advantages of the present inventionare achieved by a brassiere shoulder strap that is anatomically shapedso that it conforms to the shape of the shoulder of the wearer. Byconforming to the shape of the shoulder, the strap of the presentinvention provides and maintains a cushioning effect. The shoulder strapcontains a curvilinear shaped area that is wider than a conventionalbrassiere strap in order to increase the size of the load bearing regionof the wearer's shoulder. In a preferred embodiment, the curvilinearshaped area of the strap is “S” shaped. This curvilinear shaped areaincludes an outer cover that surrounds an interior hollow portion. Thisinterior hollow portion is filled with a cushioning material. In apreferred embodiment, the cushioning material is a silicone gel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The objects and advantages of the present invention will be moreapparent from the following detailed description of the presentinvention, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0016]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a brassiere having a pair of thebrassiere straps of the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 2 is a magnified view of the curvilinear “S” shaped area ofthe brassiere strap shown in FIG. 1;

[0018]FIG. 3 is an alternative embodiment of the brassiere strap shownin FIG. 2;

[0019]FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the brassiere strap takenalong measurement I of FIG. 2; and

[0020]FIG. 5 is a table which sets forth the measurements of thebrassiere strap shown in FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Referring to the drawings, and in particular, FIG. 1, there isprovided a brassiere generally represented by reference numeral 10. Thebrassiere 10 includes a pair of shoulder straps 15 and a pair of breastcups 25. Each shoulder strap 15 has, as shown more clearly in FIG. 2, acurvilinear shaped area 20.

[0022] As used herein the term “vertical” and “horizontal” are definedin reference to the orientation of brassiere 10 as it would bepositioned on a wearer's body and, thus, shown in FIG. 1. Thus, shoulderstraps 15 extend substantially vertically from the back of brassiere 10,then basically horizontally, and then basically vertically to breast cup25. Shaped area 20 basically lies horizontally in the plane defined bylines 4-4 in FIG. 1.

[0023] The shaped area 20 deviates from the vertical plane created by aconventional brassiere strap. This deviation permits the shaped area 20of the shoulder strap 15 to fit, as desired, in accordance with thecontour or anatomy of a top of a shoulder of the wearer. Basically,shaped area 20 is curvilinear, more preferably it is in the form of anelongated “S”. However, for certain contoured shoulders, the shaped area20 may be more of a defined “S”. It should be noted that although FIG. 2shows shaped area 20 with apex 190 of the curve directed away from thewearer, the apex of the curve may also be directed toward the wearer.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 2, shaped area 20 is preferably in the form ofan elongated “S”. Also preferably, shaped area 20 has a first edge 200positioned toward the back of the brassiere and a second edge 210positioned toward the front of the brassiere are preferably squared off.Shaped area 20 of shoulder strap 15 includes an outer fabric cover 220and a curvilinear central portion 290. Outer cover 220 has a first coverend 230 and a second cover end 240. First cover end 230 connects shapedarea 20 to a portion of shoulder strap 15 that connects to the back ofbrassiere 10 (shown in FIG. 1). Second cover end 240 connects shapedarea 20 directly to breast cup 25, or to a portion of shoulder strap 15that leads to breast cup 25 (shown in FIG. 1). In an alternativeembodiment, first cover end 230 and second cover end 240 may beintegrally formed with shoulder strap 15 (shown in FIG. 1).

[0025] Outer fabric cover 220 may be made from a variety of materials,including, but not limited to, polyester, cotton, nylon, spandex, andany combinations of these materials. Preferably, outer fabric cover 220is made of about 65% polyester and about 35% cotton. Also preferably,outer fabric cover 220 is stretchable.

[0026] Central portion 290 is preferably a hollow area 250 that providesa bladder. Central portion 290 is also preferably in the shape of anelongated “S” in which a second top edge 300 and a second bottom edge310 are preferably squared off. Central portion 290 preferably has agreater width at its center than at its edges to accommodate placementof a cushioning material 280 and to increase the size of the loadbearing area of the wearer's shoulder. Preferably, there is a spacebetween central portion 290 and a lateral edge of outer cover 220 toallow shaped area 20 to conform more easily to the shoulder of thewearer. Central portion 290 is preferably formed from 100% polyurethanefilm.

[0027] Again referring to FIG. 2, shaped area 20 may have varyingdimensions. In the present invention, the measurements are taken alongthe lines shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a table, which sets forth theranges of the dimensions shown in FIG. 2. The preferred length (A) ofshaped area 20 from first end 230 to second end 240 ranges from about 9⅛inches to about 9½ inches. The preferred maximum width (I) of shapedarea 20 ranges from about 1⅜ inches to about 1½ inches. Preferably, thelength (C) of first end 230 ranges from about {fraction (11/16)} inchesto about {fraction (13/16)} inches. The length (D) of second end 240ranges from about 1{fraction (11/32)} inches to about 1{fraction(15/32)} inches, while the width (E) of first end 230 and second end 240ranges from about {fraction (21/32)} inches to about {fraction (23/32)}inches. The preferred length (B) of central portion 290 from second topedge 300 to second bottom edge 310 ranges from about 7{fraction (1/32)}inches to about 7{fraction (5/32)} inches. The preferred width (H) ofcentral portion 290 ranges from about {fraction (12/16)} inches to about{fraction (14/16)} inches at its center portion, while the preferredwidth (F) of central portion 290 at its end portions ranges from about{fraction (4/16)} inches to about {fraction (6/16)} inches. Thepreferred distance (G) between central portion 290 and cover 220 rangesfrom about {fraction (7/32)} inches to about {fraction (9/32)} inches.

[0028] The preferred thickness of shaped area 20 ranges from about 0.16inches to about 0.2 inches. The preferred weight of shaped area 20ranges from about 9.8 grams to about 11.0 grams.

[0029] It should be understood that the widths and lengths set forthabove may vary depending upon the embodiment utilized in the brassiereand the desired criteria for each group of potential customers.

[0030]FIG. 3 is an alternative embodiment of the brassiere strap shownin FIG. 2 in which shaped area 20 is an elongated oval.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 4, outer cover 220 can be made of one, or morepreferably, two pieces of material 260, 270 that are sealed around theperimeter to encase central portion 290. One side of one of the piecesof material 260, 270 of cover 220 is a side surface of shoulder strap 15(shown in FIG. 1) that contacts the skin of the wearer.

[0032] Again referring to FIG. 4, it may be seen that interior hollowportion 250 of central portion 290 is filled with cushioning material280. Cushioning material 280 must permit the deviation of centralportion 290 without causing bulking of the shaped area 20. To accomplishthis, hollow area 250 may be only partially filled with cushioningmaterial 280. Preferably, cushioning material 280 consumes a volume ofhollow portion 250 such that the weight of central portion 290 rangesfrom about 6.0 grams to about 7.0 grams.

[0033] Cushioning material 280 may be chosen from a variety ofmaterials, including, but not limited to, particles, fluid, foam, andany combination of these materials. Preferably, cushioning material 280is a fluid so that hollow portion 250 can be filled to almost completevolume. A preferred fluid is a gel. The preferred gel is a silicone gel.Thus, central portion 290 with cushioning material 280 therein is firm,but soft. Also, central portion 290 does not provide a bulky appearance.Thus, shoulder strap 15 (shown in FIG. 1) will not lift, curl, or bulkup. It should be understood that the cushioning material 280 must be ofa material that will not degrade, in a short period of time, due torepeated machine washings.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, cushioning material 280 is insertedinto hollow portion 250 of central portion 290 through an opening ineither second top edge 300 or second bottom edge 310. Cushioningmaterial 280 is inserted into hollow portion 250 until the desiredweight and volume is reached. The opening is then sealed by molding.This molding process gives central portion 290 its shape. Each piece ofmaterial 260, 270 of outer cover 220 is laminated, then ultrasonicallysealed around central portion 290. In an alternative, but lesspreferable, embodiment, central portion 290 is a bladder that ispre-filled with cushioning material 280. Outer cover 220 is then sealedaround central portion 290.

[0035] The combination of a stretchable outer cover with a cushioningmaterial in a bladder to form a shaped area within a brassiere strapprovides a brassiere strap that is comfortable and flexible, whilehaving a pleasing aesthetic appearance.

[0036] The present invention having been described with particularreference to the preferred forms thereof, it will be obvious thatvarious changes and modifications may be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Wherefore we claim:
 1. A shoulder strap for a brassiere comprising: a body having a curvilinear shaped area positioned in said shoulder strap, said curvilinear shaped area being adapted to rest on a top of a shoulder of a wearer, said curvilinear shaped area having an outer periphery and a curvilinear central portion.
 2. The shoulder strap of claim 1, wherein said curvilinear shaped area is in the form of an “S” shape.
 3. The shoulder strap of claim 1, wherein said curvilinear central portion is in the form of an “S” shape.
 4. The shoulder strap of claim 2, wherein said curvilinear central portion is in the form of an “S” shape.
 5. The shoulder strap of claim 1, wherein said outer periphery has a first cover end and a second cover end.
 6. The shoulder strap of claim 1, wherein said first and second cover ends connect said curvilinear shaped area to said shoulder strap.
 7. The shoulder strap of claim 1, wherein said outer periphery is made of a material that is adapted to encase said curvilinear central portion.
 8. The shoulder strap of claim 1, wherein said curvilinear shaped area having a hollow area for placement of a pliable, shock-absorbing material.
 9. The shoulder strap of claim 1, wherein said first and second cover ends are integrally formed with said shoulder strap.
 10. The shoulder strap of claim 1, wherein said curvilinear shaped area has a space between a lateral edge of said outer periphery and said curvilinear central portion to allow said curvilinear shaped area to conform to a shoulder of a wearer.
 11. The shoulder strap of claim 1, wherein said outer periphery is made of a stretchable material.
 12. The shoulder strap of claim 1, wherein said outer periphery is made of a material selected from a group consisting of polyester, cotton, nylon, spandex, and any combinations thereof.
 13. The shoulder strap of claim 1, wherein said outer periphery is made of about 65 percent polyester and about 35 percent cotton.
 14. The shoulder strap of claim 1, wherein said curvilinear central portion is formed from a polyurethane film.
 15. The shoulder strap of claim 1, wherein said pliable, shock-absorbing material is selected from a group of consisting of particles, fluid, foam, and any combinations thereof.
 16. The shoulder strap of claim 1, wherein said pliable, shock-absorbing material is a gel.
 17. The shoulder strap of claim 1, wherein said pliable, shock-absorbing material is a silicone gel.
 18. The shoulder strap of claim 1, wherein said curvilinear shaped area has a length from about 9⅛ inches to about 9½ inches from first cover end to second cover end.
 19. The shoulder strap of claim 1, wherein said curvilinear shaped area has a diameter width from about 1⅜ inches to about 1½ inches.
 20. The shoulder strap of claim 1, wherein said curvilinear central portion has a first end and a second end and a length from about 7{fraction (1/32)} inches to about 7{fraction (5/32)} inches between said first end and said second end.
 21. The shoulder strap of claim 1, wherein said curvilinear central portion has a diameter width from about {fraction (12/16)} inches to about {fraction (14/16)} inches.
 22. The shoulder strap of claim 1, wherein said curvilinear central portion has a greater width at its diameter than at said first and second ends.
 23. The shoulder strap of claim 1, wherein said curvilinear shaped area has a thickness from about 0.16 inches to about 0.2 inches.
 24. The shoulder strap of claim 1, wherein said curvilinear shaped area has a weight from about 9.8 grams to about 11.0 grams.
 25. The shoulder strap of claim 1, wherein said curvilinear central portion has a weight from about 6.0 grams to 7.0 grams.
 26. A shoulder strap for a brassiere comprising: a body having a curvilinear shaped area positioned in said shoulder strap, said curvilinear shaped area being adapted to rest on, and conform to, a top of a shoulder of a wearer in order to increase the size of a load bearing area on said shoulder, said curvilinear shaped area having an outer periphery and a curvilinear shaped central portion, said curvilinear shaped area having a space between a lateral edge of said outer periphery, said outer periphery having a first cover end and a second cover end, said first and second cover ends connecting said curvilinear shaped area to said shoulder strap, said outer periphery being made of a stretchable material that is adapted to encase said curvilinear shaped central portion, said curvilinear shaped central portion forming a hollow area for placement of a gelatinous, shock absorbing material.
 27. The shoulder strap of claim 26, wherein said curvilinear shaped area is in the form of an “S” shape.
 28. The shoulder strap of claim 26, wherein said curvilinear central portion is in the form of an “S” shape.
 29. The shoulder strap of claim 27, wherein said curvilinear central portion is curved to form an “S” shape.
 30. The shoulder strap of claim 26, wherein said first and second cover ends are integrally formed with said shoulder strap.
 31. The shoulder strap of claim 26, wherein said outer periphery is made of a material selected from a group consisting of polyester, cotton, nylon, spandex, and any combinations thereof.
 32. The shoulder strap of claim 26, wherein said “S” shaped central portion is formed from a polyurethane film.
 33. The shoulder strap of claim 26, wherein said gelatinous, shock-absorbing material is a silicone gel.
 34. A shoulder strap for a brassiere comprising: a body having an oval shaped area positioned within said shoulder strap, said oval shaped area being adapted to rest on, and conform to, a top of a shoulder of a wearer in order to increase the size of a load bearing area on said shoulder, said oval shaped area having an outer periphery and an oval shaped central portion, said oval shaped area having a space between a lateral edge of said outer periphery, said outer periphery having a first cover end and a second cover end, said first and second cover ends connecting said oval shaped area to said shoulder strap, said outer periphery being made of a stretchable material that is adapted to encase said oval shaped central portion, said oval shaped central portion forming a hollow area for placement of a gelatinous, shock absorbing material.
 35. The shoulder strap of claim 34, wherein said first and second cover ends are integrally formed with said shoulder strap.
 36. The shoulder strap of claim 34, wherein said outer periphery is made of a material selected from a group consisting of polyester, cotton, nylon, spandex, and any combinations thereof.
 37. The shoulder strap of claim 34, wherein said oval shaped central portion is formed from a polyurethane film.
 38. The shoulder strap of claim 34, wherein said gelatinous, shock-absorbing material is a silicone gel. 